The author recounts their banking career that began in November 1992, highlighting a two-decade journey primarily in the treasury sector where they worked with various assets, particularly silver. Though the bank itself never purchased silver, it frequently engaged in buying and selling silver for a long-term client, referred to affectionately as 'Monsieur'. This client provided invaluable insights into the silver market and its interactions with currencies and interest rates, enhancing the author's understanding of these complex dynamics.

Over the past century, silver has experienced significant volatility, characterized by sharp declines, sometimes exceeding 20% within short periods. Such fluctuations have posed challenges even for the most disciplined investors. The author's admiration for their mentor's persistent focus on silver, despite its market stagnation in certain periods, underscores the complex nature of trading in precious metals and the psychological resilience required to navigate such a market.

Ultimately, the narrative serves not only as a personal reflection on a long career in banking but also as an exploration of the complexities of the silver market over a century. It demonstrates how historical trends in silver trading can inform current investment strategies and highlights the necessity for adaptability in the face of market transformations. This perspective is relevant not only to investors but also to anyone interested in the historical relationships between different markets and economic forces.